Venues & Specifications
Welcome to the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, York’s hidden gem for all your special event needs – from large social gatherings and business meetings, to ticketed performances, film screenings and small to midsize receptions. Our venue offers a variety of unique spaces with limitless possibilities, managed by an expert on-site team.
Strand Theatre
The Strand Theatre is the Appell Center’s largest event facility, seating 1,262 people. Built in 1925, the Theatre’s Renaissance-inspired architecture, ornate decorative details and grand space provides the perfect ambiance for your next event. With outstanding acoustics and fantastic sight lines for all, this space is ideal for any type of live performance, conference or large-scale event.
Strand Theatre at a glance:
Great for:
- Full-scale performances
- Large private events
- Conferences
Specifications:
- 1,262-person max capacity
- Theater seating
- Full production capabilities
- Lobby and bar
- Multiple dressing rooms
- Mixed use spaces backstage functional for catering
Click here for full Strand Theatre specifications.
Learn about reduced rental fees for the Strand Theatre Lobby and other venues through our Community Support Fund.
Capitol Theatre
The Capitol Theatre is our second-largest event facility, seating 450 people. Built in 1906, the Capitol Theatre was originally built as a one-story dance hall, before the balcony was added in 1917 for film. With the charm of a historic movie house, this unique space is ideal for comedy shows, concerts and film screenings, awards ceremonies, corporate meetings and more.
Capitol Theatre at a glance:
Great for:
- Comedy
- Concerts
- Film screenings
- Intimate private events
- Corporate events
Specifications:
- 450-person max capacity
- Theater seating
- Full production capabilities
- Projection capabilities
- Historic Wurlitzer organ available for preshow entertainment
- Lobby & full bar
Click here for full Capitol Theatre specifications.
Learn about reduced rental fees for the Strand Theatre Lobby and other venues through our Community Support Fund.
The Studio
The Studio is a vast event space, which holds up to 125 people standing and seats up to 80 people. With its own private entrance, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking overlooking Philadelphia Street and large-scale mirrors, the Studio is a unique space that can be easily transformed into an elegant, dramatic location perfect for any private event.
The Studio at a glance:
Great for:
- Dance classes
- Workshops
- Business meetings
- Celebrations
- Pre-show receptions
Specifications:
- 125 guest capacity
- Adaptable/flexible setup
- Private entrance
- Audio and visual options
- Perfect for private events, corporate gatherings, dancing and more
- Functional for catering needs
Learn about reduced rental fees through our Community Support Fund.
Donor Lounges
The Appell Center for the Performing Arts has two lounges on the second floor of the Strand Theatre. The J. William Warehime Foundation Donor Lounge accommodates 45 people standing and up to 30 seated. Our second Donor Lounge accommodates 55 people standing and up to 32 seated. Complete with a functional bar and built-in sound system, the Lounges are ideal for pre- or post-performance client entertainment as well as a variety of other intimate events or receptions.
Donor Lounges at a glance:
Great for:
- Client entertainment
- Intimate private events
- Business meetings
- Pre-show receptions
Specifications:
- Easy access to the Strand Theatre for performance events
- Private room with window views of North George Street
- Adaptable/flexible setup
- Built in sound system
- Private bar with dedicated service staff
- Functional for catering needs
Learn about reduced rental fees through our Community Support Fund.
Board Room
The Board Room is over 500 square feet and located on the second floor of the Appell Center for the Performing Arts. With high-speed Internet access, this space is perfect for everything from business and board meetings to group presentations or intimate dinners.
Board Room at a glance:
Great for:
- Business meetings
- Presentations
- Pre-show receptions
- Small workshops
Specifications:
- Seating for up to 20 guests
- Flexible meeting set-up
- Quiet and private space
- Projector and screen
- High-speed Internet
- Video conferencing capabilities
- Functional for small scale catering
Learn about reduced rental fees through our Community Support Fund.
Community Support Fund
The Appell Center’s Community Support Fund offers reduced rental fees for local non-profits and mission-aligned projects at our venues.
Available Venues
- The Strand Theatre Lobby
- The Capitol Theatre
- The Studio
- The Donor Lounges
- The Board Room
If you believe you qualify for reduced rental fees through the Community Support Fund and would like more information, please fill out a Rental Inquiry Form and indicate your qualifications in the Additional Information section.
